Uploaded May 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Can campus civics initiatives actually advance viewpoint diversity, or do they risk creating a new kind of silo?
In this panel, three leading voices in civic education examine the fast-growing movement of university civics centers and what it means for intellectual diversity. Paul Carrese, founding director of Arizona State University's School of Civic and Economic Thought and Leadership, shares his vision for building a genuine broad middle in higher education. Dan Edelstein, faculty director of Stanford's COLLEGE program (Civic, Liberal, and Global Education), reflects on what it took to build a shared first-year civic curriculum at one of the country's most selective universities. Dylan Selterman, Director of Research and Resource Development at Heterodox Academy, offers a critical look at both the promise and the structural risks of civic centers, including whether they integrate into academic life or simply silo heterodox scholars away from mainstream departments.
Centered on the theme “The Value of Viewpoint Diversity: Why It Matters and How to Practice It Well”, this conference offers actionable insights, fosters rich intellectual exchange, and brings together individuals from across the region who are invested in the future of higher education.
The event is co-organized by the HxA Campus Communities in California, Oregon, and Washington.
CHAPTERS
0:00 Introduction
2:02 Paul Carrese's Perspective on Civics Initiatives
9:06 Dan Edelstein's Experience with Stanford's General Ed Requirement
14:17 Dylan Selterman on the Rise of Civic Centers
17:31 Risks and Challenges Faced by Civic Centers
28:15 Q&A
30:52 Addressing the Anti-Civics Stance and Faculty Diversity in Civic Education
36:47 The Role of Civic Centers in Addressing the Pipeline Problem
40:59 Potential Impact of Civic Centers on Disciplinary Departments
45:56 Challenges of Integrating Heterodox Scholars in Civic Centers
46:24 Exploring Structural Challenges and Potential Solutions
48:04 The Stranglehold of Departments on Undergraduate Education
49:26 Examples of Institutions Addressing the Issue and Final Remarks
Can campus civics initiatives actually advance viewpoint diversity, or do they risk creating a new kind of silo?
In this panel, three leading voices in civic education examine the fast-growing movement of university civics centers and what it means for intellectual diversity. Paul Carrese, founding director of Arizona State University's School of Civic and Economic Thought and Leadership, shares his vision for building a genuine broad middle in higher education. Dan Edelstein, faculty director of Stanford's COLLEGE program (Civic, Liberal, and Global Education), reflects on what it took to build a shared first-year civic curriculum at one of the country's most selective universities. Dylan Selterman, Director of Research and Resource Development at Heterodox Academy, offers a critical look at both the promise and the structural risks of civic centers, including whether they integrate into academic life or simply silo heterodox scholars away from mainstream departments.
Centered on the theme “The Value of Viewpoint Diversity: Why It Matters and How to Practice It Well”, this conference offers actionable insights, fosters rich intellectual exchange, and brings together individuals from across the region who are invested in the future of higher education.
The event is co-organized by the HxA Campus Communities in California, Oregon, and Washington.
CHAPTERS
0:00 Introduction
2:02 Paul Carrese's Perspective on Civics Initiatives
9:06 Dan Edelstein's Experience with Stanford's General Ed Requirement
14:17 Dylan Selterman on the Rise of Civic Centers
17:31 Risks and Challenges Faced by Civic Centers
28:15 Q&A
30:52 Addressing the Anti-Civics Stance and Faculty Diversity in Civic Education
36:47 The Role of Civic Centers in Addressing the Pipeline Problem
40:59 Potential Impact of Civic Centers on Disciplinary Departments
45:56 Challenges of Integrating Heterodox Scholars in Civic Centers
46:24 Exploring Structural Challenges and Potential Solutions
48:04 The Stranglehold of Departments on Undergraduate Education
49:26 Examples of Institutions Addressing the Issue and Final Remarks
